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SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless Review

An okay headset that we can't recommend on account of its high price
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SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless Review
Credit: SteelSeries
Price:  $150 List
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Manufacturer:   SteelSeries
By Nick Miley, Matt Spencer, and Austin Palmer  ⋅  Aug 25, 2022
60
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#15 of 16
  • Comfort - 40% 6.0
  • Audio - 30% 5.9
  • Microphone - 20% 6.1
  • Ease of Use - 10% 5.8

Our Verdict

The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ is a so-so gaming headset that costs a pretty penny. While we aren't willing to say that it is a terrible device, we will say that there are much better headsets available for a lot less money. We recommend reading our best gaming headset review to find the right fit for you.
REASONS TO BUY
Retractable mic
Built-in sidetone scroll wheel
REASONS TO AVOID
​​Dubious quality
Poor headband adjustment
Editor's Note: This review is the recently updated version of the SteelSeries Arctis 7P, published on August 25, 2022

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Gaming Headset
Editors' Choice Award
Best Wireless Gaming Headset
Best Buy Award
Best on a Tight Budget
 
Price $150 List
$148.28 at Amazon
$130 List
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$150 List
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$50 List
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$60 List
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Bottom Line An overpriced headset with a middling performance in all of our assessmentsThis headset offers great audio, superior comfort, and a fantastic microphone –- the only knock against it is that it is cordedAn across the board good performing wireless headset that gets the job done at a price that is below average for the classThis headset is a great bargain option, holding its own with the top models while costing considerably lessDespite some shortcomings, this headset still delivers above average audio quality
Rating Categories SteelSeries Arctis... Kraken V3 HyperSense Corsair HS80 RGB Wi... Kingston HyperX Clo... SteelSeries Arctis...
Comfort (40%)
6.0
9.0
8.0
6.0
6.0
Audio (30%)
5.9
8.6
7.1
6.9
6.2
Microphone (20%)
6.1
8.3
7.4
7.7
7.5
Ease of Use (10%)
5.8
4.9
6.5
7.1
6.0
Specs SteelSeries Arctis... Kraken V3 HyperSense Corsair HS80 RGB Wi... Kingston HyperX Clo... SteelSeries Arctis...
Connection Type USB-C or USB-C to USB-A Adapter USB USB 3.5mm 3.5mm
Measure Max Cordlength Charging cable: 5 ft
3.5mm: 4 ft
6.4 ft Charging cable: 6ft 10.5 ft 9.1 ft
Wireless or Wired Wireless Wired Wireless Wired Wired
How to Mute Button Button Lift Lift mic Button
Detachable Microphone No Yes No No No
Mute and Volume Control Location Headphone Headphone Headphone Headphone Headphone
Measured weight (cable hanging) 12.6 oz 13 oz 12.8 oz 9.5 oz 8.8 oz
Measured Inner Ear Cup Opening 2" X 2-3/8" 1-1/2" X 2-1/2" 1-1/2" X 2-1/4" 1-5/8" X 2-9/16" 1-3/4" X 2-1/4"
Ear Cup Shape Oval Oval Asymmetric oval Oval Oval
Ear Cup Fabric Type Fabric mesh Memory foam, leatherette, cooling mesh Microfiber fabric Leatherette Fabric mesh
Downloadable Software Yes Yes Yes No No
Surround/Spacial Audio Yes and fully compatible with PlayStation 5's Tempest 3D AudioTech Yes Yes No No
Manufacturer Stated Platform Compatibility PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Androiud, USB-C iPads, USB-C compatible devices PC, PlayStation, Switch (docked mode) PC. Mac, PS4, PS5 PC, Mac, PS4, Xbox One (older version controllers may require an adapter) PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox (Series X, S, and One), Mobile

Our Analysis and Test Results

The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ is a so-so device that comes at a price that is not backed up by what the headset has to offer. We think there are much better devices available, such as other models in our gaming headset review.

Performance Comparison


steelseries arctis 7p+ wireless - the steelseries arctis 7p+ wireless did not impress us with either...
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless did not impress us with either performance or cost.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Comfort


The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ is not a super comfortable gaming headset. We weight the comfort metric the most heavily simply because you won't get much use out of one of these devices if you can't keep it on your head for long due to discomfort. That said, the Arctis 7P+ isn't what we would call an uncomfortable device, as we were able to keep it on our heads for an average of 7.5 hours before discomfort set in. For reference, we were able to wear several other headsets for around 9-10 hours.

The headband and the ear cups are the primary features that contribute to a comfortable headset. The Arctis 7P+'s headband is relatively difficult to adjust properly — it is either too loose or pulls the ear cups out of position. Conversely, the ear cups fit nicely. The device is constructed with a medium stiff foam that holds its shape. This headset is also covered with breathable mesh-like fabric that kept our heads at a comfortable temperature for over an hour before we noticed a build-up of heat. All told, the comfort of the Arctis 7P+ is just so-so.

steelseries arctis 7p+ wireless - we did not find the arctis 7p+'s design very to be very comfortable.
We did not find the Arctis 7P+'s design very to be very comfortable.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Audio


Here too, the Arctis 7P+ delivered another slightly below-average performance. A big part of this metric is a series of tests that assess the headsets' ability to facilitate positional audio awareness. While the Arctis 7P+ isn't outstanding on this critical capability, it does a decent job though testers sometimes had to move their heads to hone in on sounds. Yet, in the end, the headset got the job done.

We also assess the headsets for their ability to deliver clear audio from fellow gamers. Here we found the Arctis 7P+ to be a little flat sounding. However, it did have good volume. All in all, the audio was adequate for gaming purposes and is about average for the class. Additionally, we assess the music quality produced. ​​The sound from the Arctis 7P+'s speakers is very flat compared to other models. Finally, the closed back design of the Arctis 7P+ proved to be below average at blocking out external noises and was particularly bad at blocking nearby voices. To sum up, this headset has slightly below-average audio.

steelseries arctis 7p+ wireless - our testing revealed that the arctis 7p+'s speakers rendered...
Our testing revealed that the Arctis 7P+'s speakers rendered relatively flat music. Additionally, the ear cups do not block much sound, making it easy to get distracted by background noise.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Microphone


The microphone is an important hardware component of any serious gaming rig. Just as we tested the speakers for voice audio coming in, we also tested the Arctis 7P+ for the audio its mic captured. While the audio is good enough for communication, it does not have the clarity of the higher-ranked models and was decidedly tinny, with 'P' sounds popping out. However, the mic does well not to pick up background noises. Finally, the mute on the microphone is total, with no humming or the like evident.

steelseries arctis 7p+ wireless - the arctis comes with a retractable mic.
The Arctis comes with a retractable mic.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


While we place the ease of use metric lowest in importance, it is nonetheless a big contributor to consumer satisfaction. It should be noted that all gaming headsets are plug-and-play, so they're all pretty easy to use. The Arctis 7P+ garnered an average performance in this analysis, largely based on our dislike for short charging cables (the Arctis' is 5 feet long) and our appreciation for the unit's detachable microphone. Additionally, the unit has an onboard side tone dial that allows one to hear their voice through the headphones. This is a relatively uncommon feature but useful for closed back devices.

steelseries arctis 7p+ wireless - like all other metrics, the arctis has a middling performance in...
Like all other metrics, the Arctis has a middling performance in ease of use.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Should You Buy SteelSeries Arctis 7P+?


Simply put, no, you should not buy the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+. This headset performs at an average level and has a significantly above-average price tag. You can do much better for less money.

What Other Gaming Headsets Should You Consider?


If you are interested in purchasing a wireless headset, check out the Corsair HS80 RGB. This device did quite well across the board in our evaluations and costs significantly less than the Arctis 7P+. If you want better performance and greater savings than the Corsair — and you're willing to consider a wired device to get them — have a look at the Kraken V3 HyperSense.

Nick Miley, Matt Spencer, and Austin Palmer